Lead Character Artist

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Career development

Competitive pay

Job summary

Placements24 in Kimberley, BC, Canada is seeking a Lead Character Artist to inspire and guide the character art team in shaping the project's visual identity. This role drives character quality across the pipeline and fosters collaboration in a hybrid studio.

You will lead the character art pipeline, mentor artists, and ensure high-quality models and textures using Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop, and real-time engines.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years in 3D character art with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Strong portfolio showcasing character modeling, sculpting, texturing, and PBR workflows.
• Proficiency with Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Photoshop; experience with Unreal Engine or Unity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the character art team in creating high-quality 3D character models, textures, and related assets.
• Establish and maintain the artistic style and quality bar for all characters.
• Collaborate with concept artists, animators, and technical artists to ensure visually appealing and technically sound characters.
• Provide mentorship and art direction to junior and senior artists.
• Oversee the character asset pipeline and ensure timely delivery in a hybrid work environment.

Skills

Character modeling

Sculpting

Texturing

PBR workflows

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CG/Art

Tools

Maya

ZBrush

Substance Painter

Photoshop

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Lead Character Artist to inspire and guide their character art team in Kimberley . This role is crucial for establishing the visual identity and quality of characters in their upcoming projects. You will lead the character art pipeline, mentor junior artists, and ensure the creation of compelling, high-quality character models that align with the project's artistic direction. This position is ideal for a passionate artist with exceptional technical and artistic skills, strong leadership qualities, and the ability to thrive in a hybrid work model, fostering collaboration and artistic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the character art team in the creation of high-quality 3D character models, textures, and related assets.
• Establish and maintain the artistic style and quality bar for all characters within the project.
• Collaborate closely with concept artists, animators, and technical artists to ensure characters are visually appealing and technically sound.
• Provide constructive feedback, mentorship, and art direction to junior and senior character artists.
• Oversee the character asset pipeline, ensuring efficient workflows and timely delivery of assets, contributing to the creative culture of the Kimberley studio.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in 3D character art, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional skills in character modeling, sculpting, texturing, and PBR workflows.
• Proficiency with industry-standard software such as Maya, ZBrush, Substance Painter, and Photoshop.
• Experience with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity and understanding of real-time rendering constraints.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage a team and foster collaboration in a hybrid work environment

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Flexible hybrid work schedule that supports work-life balance and team collaboration.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
• A creative, supportive, and inspiring work environment focused on producing high-quality art.